Research Article

Analysis of the Variability of Therapeutic Indications of Medicinal Species in the Northeast of Brazil: Comparative Study

Table 1

List of native medicinal species indicated by the interviewees of Quincuncá district and therapeutic indications cited for different communities analyzed.

Family/scientific name/vernacular nameTherapeutic indications in the community of Quincuncá Part used/preparatio, the community of QuincuncáNI1Therapeutic indication in other areasPart used/preparation, in other areasNI2HN

Anacardiaceae
Astronium fraxinifolium (Gonçalo Alves)Rheumatism, wound.Stem bark (3)/Cutting (3), cataplasm, of sauce.2Influenza (4), cough (3), fever (2), dysentery, stomach, kidney infection, expectorant, spine pain.Stem inner bark (4), stem bark (2), leaf/of sauce (2), decoction, infusion, sirup.88728
Myracrodruon urundeuva (Aroeira)Wound (4), inflammation (3), uterine inflammation (2), influenza, menstrual bleeding, anemia, healing.Stem bark (13), Stem inner bark (5), Leaf/Of sauce (13), decoction (6), bathing (5), cutting.7Inflammation (25), healing (15), gastritis (8), wound (7), uterine inflammation (7), cough (7), ovarian inflammation (6), sore throat (5), kidneys (5), gynecological problems (5), cancer (4), bronchitis (4), gynecological inflammation (4), generalized pain (4), influenza (3), itching (3), diarrhea (3), stomach (3), abdominal cramp (2), external inflammation (2), liver (2), skin problems (2), allergy (2), ulcer (2), expectorant (2), uterine problems (2), bruise (2), external ulcer (2), acne, tumors, rheumatism, cracks in the feet, arthritis, bug bite, bacteria, mycoses, bleeding, germs, fungi, pain in the digestive organs, rheumatic fever, headache, toothache, antiseptic, infection, internal inflammation, intestine, abortion, spine pain, prostate, diphtheria, antibiotic, vaginal secretion, fracture, urinary infection, anemia, ear infections, intestinal cramps, depurative, respiratory diseases, burn, inflammation of the skin, back pains, cystitis, urethritis, gonorrhea, sores in the mouth, gingivitis, tiredness, regulate menstruation, abdominal cramp, menstrual cramps.Stem bark (26), stem inner bark (7), leaf (5), stalk/decoction (12), maceration (7), sirup (6), infusion (5), of sauce (4), tincture (2), bathing (3), cooked, ingestion, cutting.728731
Arecaceae
Acrocomia aculeata (Macaúba)Inflammation in the eye, anemia, calmative.Fruit (3)/Ingestion (2), decoction.3Expectorant, generalized pain, cough, bone problems, arthritis, nervesFruit (2), flower, root, seed/decoction (3), maceration, sirup, juice, oil extraction.6nc
Syagrus oleracea (Catolé)Urinary infection.Root/Of sauce.1Liver, inflammation, inflammation of the urethra and bladder.Root/decoction.4nc
Bignoniaceae
Jacaranda jasminoides (Caroba)Itching, urinary infection.Stem bark/ Bathing, decoction.2Venereal diseases, inflammation.Stem bark, leaf/decoction.2nc
Bromeliaceae
Bromelia laciniosa (Croatá)Prostate.Leaf/Decoction.1Source of protein (2), tonic, hepatitis, pneumonia, influenza.Root, fruit/decoction.5nc
Burseraceae
Commiphora leptophloeos (Imburana de cambão)Indigestion (2), influenza, nasal congestion, wound, stroke/Stem bark (6), Stem inner bark/Decoction (5), of sauce (2), inhalation.5Influenza (6), cough (5), bronchitis (4), inflammation (3), healing (2), sinusitis, belly ache, wound, kidneys, hoarseness, gastritis, ulcer, toothache, asthma, coryza, sore throat, generalized pain, tonic.Stem bark (10), stem inner bark, leaf, fruit, latex, flower/decoction (5), sirup (3), of sauce (2), maceration (2), infusion, bathing.18nc
Chrysobalanaceae
Licania rigida (Oiticica)Uterine and ovarian inflammation.Leaf, Stem inner bark/Decoction, of sauce.2Diabetes (6), cholesterol (2), inflammation (2), belly ache, diarrhea, dysentery, kidneys, lose weight, hypoglycemic, itching, dandruff, mycoses.Leaf (7), stem bark (2), root (2)/decoction (5), infusion (5), maceration (2), of sauce.129729
Convolvulaceae
Operculina macrocarpa (Batata de purga)Itching, cancer, worm.Root-tuber (6)/Maceration (2), ingestion.3Worm (8), laxative (4), cough (4), purgative (4), rheumatism (4), inflammation (4), influenza (4), bronchitis (3), constipation (3), depurative (2), inappetence (2), asthma (2), hemorrhoid (2), blood purifying (2), child dentition, expectorant, respiratory diseases, amoeba.Root-tuber (10), Seed, Root, stalk/infusion (6), sirup (5), decoction, juice, ingestion, maceration.18nc
Euphorbiaceae
Croton blanchetianus (Marmeleiro)Menstrual bleeding, wound, belly ache.Stalk (3), Leaf/Cataplasm (3), cutting (3), of sauce (3), decoction, maceration.3Stomach (4), belly ache (4), cough (2), indigestion (2), diarrhea (2), dysentery (2), diabetes, depurative, influenza, bleeding, liver, malaise, intestine.Stem bark (9), leaf (4), stem inner bark (2), stalk, root/decoction (4), sirup (3), infusion (2), cutting (2), maceration, of sauce, juice, cataplasm.1310.108
Croton conduplicatus Kunth (Quebra-faca)Headache, fever.Stem bark/Decoction.2Influenza (2), headache (2), toothache (2), indigestion, stomach, belly ache, inflammation in the nose, sinusitis, fever.Leaf (4), stem bark (3)/decoction (2), cataplasm, of sauce, infusion.9nc
Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth (Velame)Influenza, cough.Root (4)/Of sauce (3), decoction.2Spine pain (4), inflammation (2), influenza (2), cough (2), furuncle (2), generalized pain (2), sinusitis, malaise, indigestion, depurative, back pains, worm, tumors, fever, diarrhea, wound, dermatitis, wart, infection, blood purifying, rheumatism, stomach, lesion, internal inflammation, healing.Root (5), leaf (5), latex (2)/decoction (3), infusion (3), cataplasm, of sauce, sirup, bathing.259732
Fabaceae
Amburana cearensis (Umburana de cheiro/Camaru)Influenza (5), expectorant, sinusitis, wound.Stem bark (11), Stem inner bark/Decoction (7), of sauce (4), inhalation (3), bathing.4Influenza (18), cough (13), sinusitis (10), bronchitis (7), inflammation (7), generalized pain (5), headache (4), stomach (4), healing (4), expectorant (3), sore throat (3), anorexia (3), constipation (3), external ulcer (3), urinary infection (3), tonic (2), thrombosis (2), hypertension (2), snake bite (2), stroke (2), fever (3), gastritis (2), vertigo (2), regulate menstruation (2), nasal congestion, rhinitis, muscle aches, calmative, asthma, respiratory diseases, toothache, colic on baby, nausea, colic, intestine, centipede sting, dehydration, diarrhea, migraine, vomit, joint pain, depurative, diuretic, kidney infection, coryza, inflammation of the skin, gynecological inflammation, back pains, worm, poor circulation, heart, stroke, fever, measles, cold, gynecological problems.Stem bark (24), seed (18), fruit (5), stem inner bark (4), leaf (4), stalk/decoction (12), sirup (12), infusion (9), maceration (8), of sauce (5), bathing (3), inhalation (2), cooked, cataplasm.56nc
Anadenanthera colubrina (Angico)Cough (4), expectorant (2), influenza (2).Stem inner bark (6) Stem bark (5), Resin/Of sauce (11), decoction, sirup.3Cough (14), inflammation (9), influenza (9), bronchitis (5), asthma (3), expectorant (3), sore throat (3), whooping cough (2), stomach (2), cold (2), healing (2), wound (2), anemia (2), infection (2), insomnia, depurative, anticoagulant, bleeding, nasal congestion, belly ache, cancer, lung diseases, antiseptic, antiallergic, tuberculosis, fracture, tiredness, pulmonary edema, fortifier, respiratory diseases, swelling, fever, back pains, diarrhea, venereal diseases, muscle aches.Stem bark (17), stem inner bark (5), fruit (3), resin (3), leaf/sirup (12), decoction (6), maceration (5), infusion (4), of sauce (3), cataplasm, bathing.369311
Bauhinia cheilantha (Pata de vaca/Mororó)Diabetes (2).Leaf (2)/Decoction (2).1Diabetes (11), influenza (4), cough (3), kidneys (3), cholesterol (3), hypertension (4), headache (2), belly ache (2), inflammation (2), Spine pain (2), tonic (2), expectorant, depurative, indigestion, asthma, cancer, tiredness, respiratory diseases, burning in the urethra, sexual impotence, nerves, urinary infection, anemia, uterus, sore throat, stomach, blood cramps, heartburn.Stem bark (12), leaf (11), root (4), stem inner bark (2), flower (2) seed/decoction (10), infusion (8), sirup (6), of sauce (2), cutting, maceration.288729
Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Tamboril)Gastritis, influenza.Stem bark (3)/Of sauce (3).2Inflammation (3), scabies (2), itch, asthma, ulcer, muscle aches, worm, neuritis, sciatica, stomach, vaginal inflammation, urinary inflammation, generalized pain.Stem bark (6), seed (2), root (2), fruit, stem inner bark/decoction (4), of sauce (3), infusion.139148
Erythrina velutina (Mulungú)Calmative.Leaf/Decoction.1Toothache (7), insomnia (4), cough (4), worm (3), nerves (3), sinusitis (2), inflammation (2), calmative, diarrhea, healing, gynecological problems, antidepressant, diseases of the nervous system, stroke, generalized pain, menopause, poor circulation.Stem bark (11), fruit (4), seed (2), stalk, leaf, stem inner bark/decoction (7), infusion (6), of sauce (2), sirup, bathing, maceration, cutting.17nc
Geoffroea spinosa (Umarí)Diarrhea with blood, fever, snake bite.Leaf (7), Fruit (3)/Decoction (9), maceration.3Anemia.Stem bark/maceration.19313
Hymenaea courbaril (Jatobá)Anemia (4), influenza (2), wound.Stem bark (10), Stem inner bark (2)/Decoction (6), of sauce (3), cutting (2), honey (2), bathing, ingestion, cataplasm.3Anemia (10), influenza (12), cough (10), bronchitis (5), prostate (4), expectorant (3), inflammation (3), kidneys (3), cancer (2), healing (2), asthma (2), generalized pain (2), gastritis (2), blood purifying, stomach, cancer (leukemia), louse, lung diseases, sore throat, lip herpes, urinary problems, fortifier, nerves, inflammation of the prostate, tiredness, pulmonary edema, bone pain, sexual impotence, inflammation of the bladder, cold, stomach, respiratory diseases, tonic, ulcer, burning in the urethra, bruise, increases blood flow, fever, headache, heartburn, urinary inflammation, poor circulation, frailty, angina, wound, constipation, nasal congestion, depurative, poisoning, blood problems, urinary infection.Stem bark (18), fruit (11), stem inner bark (6), seed, root, sap, leaf, resin/sirup (12), decoction (9), infusion (6), maceration (5), of sauce (4), juice (2), tincture, ingestion.519723
Libidibia ferrea (Pau-ferro/Jucá)Toothache, urinary infection, prostate.Stem bark (5)/Decoction (3), cataplasm (2).3Kidneys (9), inflammation (8), influenza (7), healing (4), cough (4), diabetes (3), generalized pain (3), knock (3), anemia (2), fracture (2), leg pain (2), spine pain (3), stroke (2), bone pain (2), heartburn (2), diarrhea (3), concussion (2), lung diseases, wound, hoarseness, indigestion, gynecological inflammation, strengthens and cleanses blood, headache, toothache, tonic, depurative, urinary infection, bronchitis, gastritis, inflammation in the urethra, bruise, rheumatism, gynecological problems, liver, edemas, respiratory diseases, stomach, vesicle, internal and external inflammation, asthma, shake, bleeding, infection, labyrinthitis.Stem bark (12), fruit (11), leaf (3), seed (3), stalk (2), stem inner bark (2)/decoction (10), maceration (6), sirup (5), of sauce (4), immersed in cachaça or wine, mixed in milk, infusion, tincture.4610.106
Mimosa caesalpiniifolia (Sabiá)Cough (2), influenza (2).Stem bark (6)/Of sauce (6), decoction.2Inflammation (2), stroke, healing, cholesterol, gastritis, cough.Stem bark (2)/decoction, maceration.612.857
Mimosa tenuiflora (Jurema-preta)Toothache (3), wound (2), urinary infection, inflammation, hemorrhoid, wound disinfection, healing.Stem bark (12), Stem inner bark (3)/Decoction (9), cataplasm (5), bathing (4), of sauce (2), cutting.7Wound (9), inflammation (5), toothache (4), healing (4), cough (2), bronchitis (2), inflammation in the tooth, antiseptic, belly ache, liver influenza, diabetes, cholesterol, itch, knock, psoriasis, gynecological inflammation, generalized pain, external inflammation, gastritis, uterine inflammation, eye problem, anemia, appendicitis.Stem bark (16), stem inner bark (3), leaf (2), flower, root/decoction (8), infusion (8), maceration (4), of sauce (3), bathing (2), cataplasm, ingestion, sirup, cutting.248735
Myroxylon peruiferum (Balso)Liver (2), kidneys (2), influenza, intestine, prostate, hypertension, indigestion, stomach.Stem bark (6), Stem inner bark (3), Leaf (2)/Decoction.8Antiseptic, cataract, eye problem, kidneys, back pains, cough, urinary incontinence, tiredness, generalized pain, indigestion.Stem bark (4), root, resin/decoction (2), maceration, infusion, bathing, sirup.10nc
Poincianella pyramidalis (Catingueira)Influenza (6), cough (4), bleeding, belly ache.Flower (12), Stem bark (2), Cataplasm (2)/Decoction (7), of sauce (4), cutting, honey.5Cough (10), influenza (7), diarrhea (5), bronchitis (4), stomach (6), inflammation (3), expectorant (4), belly ache (3), aphrodisiac (2), dysentery (3), respiratory diseases (2), diabetes (2), healing (2), indigestion (2), gastritis (3), prostate (2), generalized pain (2), swelling of the belly, rheumatism, nerves, sexual impotence, fortifier, cold, gynecological problems, headache, toothache, intestine, anticoagulant, fever, worm, bleeding, inflammation in the body.Stem bark (14), flower (14), leaf (2), root, fruit/decoction (9), sirup (8), infusion (6), of sauce (2), maceration (2), juice (2), stalk, cataplasm, cutting.329731
Senegalia tenuifolia (Unha-de-gato)Diabetes, cancer, hypertension.Root/Decoction, of sauce.3Spine pain (2), arthritis, influenza, healing, rheumatism.Stem inner bark, fruit/decoction.510.109
Senna alexandrina (Sena)Constipation, indigestion.Leaf (3)/ Decoction (3).2Cough, stop menstruation, lose weight.Leaf/ decoction, of sauce.3nc
Stryphnodendron rotundifolium (Barbatimão)Wound.Stem bark (2)/Decoction (2).1Uterine inflammation (4), cancer (4), healing (4), inflammation (4), wound (2), sore throat (2), gastritis (2), ulcer (2), gynecological problems, inflammation of the skin, respiratory tiredness, diabetes, venereal diseases, bleeding, antihelminthic, hypertension, anemia, liver, furuncle, urinary infection, generalized pain, tuberculosis, vaginal infection, blood infections.Stem bark (4), stem inner bark (3)/Of sauce (3), infusion (2), decoction (2), tincture, sirup.24nc
Malvaceae
Ceiba glaziovii (Barriguda)Cyst (2).Stem inner bark (5)/Of sauce (5).2Edema (4), rheumatism (3), spine pain (2), influenza, anemia, inflammation, diabetes, generalized pain, inflammation of the prostate.Stem bark (5), leaf (3), stem inner bark (2)/decoction (5), of sauce (2), sirup.98654
OLACACEAE
Ximenia americana (Ameixa)Wound (2), wound disinfection, gastritis, mouth ulcers, injuries in diabetics.Stem bark (7)/Cataplasm (4), decoction (2), cutting (2), of sauce, bathing.5Inflammation (13), healing (12), wound (9), uterine inflammation (4), sore throat (4), kidneys (4), gastritis (4), diabetes (3), gynecological inflammation (3), spine pain (3), generalized pain (3), anemia (2), ulcer (2), burn (2), constipation (2), stomach (2), furuncle (2), ovarian inflammation (2), liver (2), infection (2), diarrhea (2), blood purifying (2), cancer (2), itching (2), shortness of breath, antiseptic, internal inflammation (2), toothache, menstrual cramp, uterine problems, abortion, urinary infection, fracture, fortifier, stomach, gynecological problems, intestine, vaginitis, tiredness, influenza, fever, headache, edema, indigestion, prostate cancer, obesity, cough, hoarseness, venereal diseases, osteoporosis, heartburn, rheumatism, bone pain.Stem bark (20), stem inner bark (7), leaf (2), root, fruit/infusion (8), decoction (7), maceration (5), of sauce (4), cataplasm (3), sirup (3), bathing (2).49nc
Polygalaceae
Bredemeyera brevifolia (Laça-vaqueiro)Diarrhea in children, diarrhea, rheumatism.Root (2), Leaf/Decoction (3).3Kidneys (2), influenza, rheumatism, spine pain, gastritis.Stem bark (2), root (2), leaf/of sauce (2), decoction (2), infusion.5nc
Polygonaceae
Triplaris gardneriana (Croaçú)Spine pain.Stem inner bark/Of sauce.1Gastritis (2), ulcer (2), inflammation of internal organs, cancer, cough, generalized pain, heartburn, influenza, rheumatism.Stem bark (3)/sirup (2), of sauce, decoction, infusion.98732
Rhamnaceae
Ziziphus joazeiro (Juazeiro)Expectorant, dandruff.Stem bark (3)/Cutting (3).2Dandruff (13), influenza (9), cough (5), tooth treatment (5), inflammation (5), antiseptic bucal (5), hair tonic (3), indigestion (3), anticary (3), stomach (2), seborrhea (2), wound (2), belly ache (2), asthma (2), healing (2), scalp problems, rheumatism, fever, antiseptic, heartburn, burn, worm, toothache, cold, hemorrhoid, bronchitis, antacid, liver, itching, pulmonary infection, anemia.Stem bark (18), leaf (11), stem inner bark (6), fruit (4), root (2), stalk/decoction (10), maceration (8), infusion (6), cutting (5), sirup (4), of sauce (4), ingestion (3), juice, bathing.319727
Rubiaceae
Coutarea hexandra (Quina-quina)Fever (2), headache, sinusitis, uterine inflammation.Stem bark (6), Stem inner bark (2), Latex/ Decoction (4), cutting (3), infusion (2), bathing.4Influenza (3), sinusitis (3), inflammation (2), fever (2), lung diseases, expectorant, headache, menstrual disorders, abortion, respiratory diseases, rheumatism, inflammation in the tooth, mouth inflammation, cough.Stem bark (8), root (3), leaf (3), stem inner bark (2)/decoction (5), infusion (4), sirup, of sauce.1412.859
Genipa americana (Jenipapo)Fracture.Stem bark (2)/Decoction (2), cutting.1Anemia (3), fracture (3), bruise (2), expectorant (2), inflammation, torsion, healing, asthma, tuberculosis, cholesterol, stomach, regulate menstruation, diabetes, nerves, osteoporosis, tonic, cough, cancer.Fruit (6), stem bark (4), stem inner bark/Ingestion (3), cataplasm (3), decoction (2), juice, cutting, infusion, sirup.188727
Guettarda angelica (Angélica brava)Asthma.Root/Decoction.1Constipation (2), menstrual cramp (2), fever (3).Root (3), stem bark (2), fruit/decoction (4), infusion (2), sirup.3nc
Tocoyena formosa (Jenipapinho)Fracture, injury to the feet and hands.Stem bark (2), Stem inner bark/Cutting (3), cataplasm (3).2Rheumatism (3), bruise (4), fracture (3), torsion (3), knock, swelling, healing, luxation.Stem bark (4), leaf (4), stem inner bark (2), latex/cataplasm (3), maceration (3), infusion, of sauce, sirup.89312
Solanaceae
Solanum paniculatum (Jurubeba)Liver.Root, Fruit/Of sauce (2).1Liver (11), anemia (8), tuberculosis (6), diuretic (3), cough (3), influenza (3), inflammation (2), bronchitis (2), diabetes (2), tonic (2), pneumonia (2), gastritis (2), wound, inflammation of the spleen, cirrhosis, cholesterol, circulatory problems, worm, lose weight, kidneys, respiratory diseases, vesicle, expectorant, hepatitis, nasal congestion, inflammation in the tooth, hypertensionRoot (10), fruit (11), leaf (5), seed, flower, stem bark/decoction (7), juice (4), infusion (4), sirup (3), maceration (2).278726
Verbenaceae
Lantana camara (Camará)Hypertension.Leaf (3)/Decoction (3).1Cough (4), influenza (3), expectorant (2), rheumatism (2), fever (2), increases menstrual flow, respiratory diseases, generalized pain, belly ache.Leaf (7), flower (4), root (3), seed/decoction (6), sirup (3), infusion (2), bathing.99314
Lippia microphylla (Alecrim-do-mato)Influenza (2), expectorant, sore throat.Leaf (3)/Decoction (3), inhalation.3Respiratory diseases (3), antiseptic, influenza, headache, sinusitis, cough, heart, hypertension, muscle aches.Leaf (4)/decoction (3), sirup (2), infusion, whole plant.99726

HN: herbarium number; NI1: number of indications for the community of Quincuncá; NI2: number of indications; NC: number of collection in process by herbarium.